Just a stone's throw away from London, Laura Ashley The Manor hotel is the perfect idyllic weekend escape.

In a sea of chains and busy city hotels, The Manor is the perfect place to frequent for something a little more unique and with character.

OUR TOP 5:

Decorated and furnished entirely in Laura Ashley, the hotel itself is cosy and warm, yet seriously luxurious. In other words, it's the perfect place for 'hygge' fans to take a break from the chaos of the city.

The rooms are endearingly named after areas of London including Chelsea, Piccadilly and Notting Hill. Our room - Piccadilly - featured a huge bed with crisp and comfortable linens, a beautiful view of the premises and a very clever toilet kitted out with every function you could think of.

If you like history and old buildings, this is an absolute must-see. The hotel stands on an old Tudor site which dates back to around 1540 - which in itself is amazing. But then you look around the grounds and you realise as well as the building itself, The Manor has a lot to offer, including a large grassy area and a human-sized chess board.

For foodie fans the hotel will not disappoint. We ate at the Cavendish, where local ingredients are used to create some of the most mouth-watering dishes, from fish to pasta. The wine list is extensive, and the staff are knowledgable and always willing to make recommendations.

Talking of the staff, those that work at The Manor are friendly, helpful and always around to answer questions. They are one of the highlights of the place.